Johns dumped from grand final coverage over airport antics

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UPDATE: LEAGUE legend Andrew Johns has reportedly been stood down from today's rugby league grand final coverage following comments he made to a Pittsworth woman at the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport.

Fairfax and News Corp are reporting that Channel Nine stood Johns down after he allegedly made explicit comments to the mother-of-three on Friday night.

EARLIER: SOME Toowoomba residents say Andrew Johns should be sacked from his job at Channel 9 after being photographed seemingly passed out at a Toowoomba airport.

He also allegedly made sexually explicit comments to Pittsworth married mother of three Helen Wright at Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport on Friday night.

Mrs Wright said Johns had tried to kiss her.

"When I refused to kiss him and replied I was happily married and had three sons his question to me was 'did you have a caesarean birth?(sic)'.

Earlier that day the rugby league immortal had been speaking at Toowoomba pub Spotted Cow.

The Chronicle has been told he performed well at that event and posed for photos with a number of fans.

Reader poll

Should Johns be sacked over his antics?

This poll ended on 04 November 2015.

Current Results

Yes, this is the last straw

65%

No, give him a break

34%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

Channel 9 told The Chronicle that Johns had apologised to Mrs Wright, who lambasted him on Facebook for his actions.

Johns has denied passing out as said: "I was up there for a function and had been up since 5 am. My flight home was delayed three hours last night so I took myself away into a quiet corner and laid down and had a sleep. No way did I pass out."

A poll earlier today showed 60% of Toowoomba residents are in favour of Johns being sacked.

The issue has proved controversial with Toowoomba residents, with some castigating the rugby league star and others defending him.

Simon Heart said it was "so disgusting".

"I'm amazed he's still on Channel 9. I refuse to watch whilst hes still on air."

Jenni Neal said people shouldn't defend his alleged actions.

"It's not the first time and it won't be the last."

Mova Maguire said his actions were inexcusable.

"This is not the first time. Channel 9 have taken down all the post. Shame on the to have him on their staff."

Others defended the Footy Show star.

Kirsty Tolputt said he was friendly to the crowd, posed for photos and just needed a "time out".

"Don't forget he didn't expect to have to interact with the public.

"Probably thought he'd basically walk in, get on the plane and go home!

"We were really well looked after by the staff at the airport and I thought the majority of the crowd took it all in really good spirits."

Roz Biddle said people needed to mind their own business.

"If you need a nap, you need a nap."

Shane Drummond said: "Maybe it's about time a motel was built near the airport."

Mrs Wright said she had accepted an apology from Johns, but declined to make any further comment.

The mother had earlier written that "many people were not impressed with his behaviour".

"Many of the children had taken photos of him passed out

"My own sons have played football all their lives and we love the game. But not this aspect of the game. Regards."